Admission to Pima Community College is open to all who want to continue their learning. No person shall be denied admission to the College on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. All individuals who complete the Application for Admission are admitted to the College and are issued a student identification number and assigned an admission classification based on their intent. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to a specific degree program or to all courses offered by the College.

The Office of the Chancellor delegates authority to the Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor to ensure compliance with this Standard Practice Guide and all federal and Arizona laws governing the classification of students for tuition and financial aid purposes.

I. Admission Classification for CreditStudents

The College designates three classifications for credit admission in order to comply with federal regulations and state statutes, and to facilitate College reporting; the three classifications are Regular/Degree-Seeking, Non-Degree Seeking and International. Students in either classification are eligible to take any credit course for which they meet the prerequisite(s).

A. Classification as Regular/Degree-Seeking

Students who are degree- or certificate-seeking and who fall within one of the following categories pursuant to ARS 15-1805.01 and 15-1821 are classified as Regular/Degree-Seeking:

1. Is a graduate of a high school that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by the United States office of education or approved by a state board of education or other appropriate state educational agency;

2. Has a high school certificate of equivalency;

3. Is a transfer student in good standing from another college or university;

4. Is a homeschooled student at least 18 years of age;

5. Demonstrates evidence of potential success at Pima Community College as outlined in the College’s placement evaluation process (SPG-3509/AA);

6. Is under the age of 18 and who achieves one of the following:

a. A composite score of 93 or more on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test:

b. A composite score of 930 or more on the Scholastic Aptitude Test:

c. A composite score of twenty-two or more on the American College Test:

d. A passing score on the relevant portions of the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards test:

e. The completion of a college placement test designated by the community college district that indicates the student is at the appropriate college level for the course:

f. Is a graduate of a private or public high school or has a high school certificate of equivalency:

g. Is a homeschooled student.

B. Classification as Non-Degree Seeking

Students who intend to take credit classes for personal interest, skill development, upgrading job skills, or for transfer toward a degree at another institution, and who do not intend to pursue a degree or certificate at Pima Community College are classified as Non-Degree Seeking.

C. Classification as International

1. International students intending to pursue full-time study must submit the following documents to the International Student Services Office to satisfy admission requirements. Necessary forms are available online.

a. A completed International Student Application Form.

b. A copy of the student's most recent TOEFL score report with a minimum score of 500 paper-based test, a minimum score of 173 computer-based test, or a minimum score of 61 internet-based. This requirement may be waived by the International Student Services Office based on the following exemptions with required supporting documentation:

i. Official transcripts indicating completion of WRT 101 & WRT 102 (or their equivalents) at a regionally accredited institution and earning at least a grade of C or its equivalent for the courses.

ii. Official high school transcripts indicating completion of all four years at a U.S. high school.

iii. Applying from an English-speaking country as determined by the U.S. Department of State.

Post-secondary transcripts must be officially translated and evaluated by a member company of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

c. Students who score below 500 paper-based, 173 computer-based, 61 internet-based TOEFL may be admitted, but must take the ESL assessment exam for placement into ESL courses.

d. Official secondary school (American high school equivalent) records and transcripts, properly translated into English.

e. A completed Affidavit of Support, along with a bank statement or bank certification, verifying availability of funds in the amount required by the International Student Services Office.

f. A $25.00 non-refundable out-of-country application fee in the form of an international postal money order or U.S. issued certified check made out to Pima Community College.

g. The student must be covered by health insurance. This requirement is met by enrolling in the student health insurance plan provided by PCC. Students who are under the sponsorship of their government or an agency that is responsible for their educational expenses, including medical coverage may waive the student health insurance plan provided by PCC.

2. F-1 International students applying from another school within the United States must include the following documents in addition to those listed above:

An official transcript from the school currently being attended. If post-secondary transcripts are sent, they must be properly translated and evaluated by a member company of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

A copy of the I-94 card from the student's passport.

A copy of the visa page from the student's passport.

A copy of the student’s current I-20 form

3. International students must submit the following to satisfy admissions requirements (student who is applying for part-time admission and is in the United States on an active non-immigrant visa status that is not F-1):

A completed International Student Application Form, processed at the International Student Services Office.

A $25.00 non-refundable, out-of-country application fee in the form of an international postal money order or certified check made out to Pima Community College.

A copy of current I-94 card, visa page and passport.

International student applicants under the age of 18 should be informed of the College's recommendation that they have a "guardian" in the United States to represent them in emergency situations since the College is not permitted to act in the place of the parent or guardian.

II. Admission Classification for Non-Credit Students

A. Clock-Hour Students

Students who are certificate seeking in the College’s clock-hour training programs, and who meet the criteria listed in Section I.A. are classified as Regular/Degree-Seeking.

B. Adult Education Students

Students pursuing adult education are classified as Adult Education.

C. Non-Credit Continuing Education Students

Students pursuing continuing education courses are classified as Continuing Education.

D. Non-Credit Community Education

Students pursuing non-credit, community education courses are classified as Non-Credit.

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